Kansas State’s dynamic quarterback, Avery Johnson, has reportedly become the subject of a significant tampering attempt by the University of Tennessee, who aimed to lure him into the transfer portal with a colossal Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offer. According to multiple reports, Johnson was presented with a staggering $6.7 million NIL package from the Volunteers, a figure that…
…has turned heads across the college football landscape and reignited national debate over the boundaries of NIL in the transfer era. The offer, which reportedly includes guaranteed payments, endorsement deals, and brand partnerships, would make Johnson one of the highest-paid players in college football—a remarkable development for a redshirt freshman who has only just begun to showcase his potential.
Johnson, a former four-star recruit out of Maize, Kansas, burst onto the scene at Kansas State with a dynamic playing style that blends elite athleticism, sharp decision-making, and a calm poise in high-pressure moments. In limited action last season, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance—particularly with his ability to extend plays, make throws on the run, and contribute heavily in the run game. Wildcats fans and coaches alike see him as the future face of the program, and some believe he has NFL-caliber potential.
That future, however, now faces uncertainty. While tampering has long been whispered about in college football, this case has thrust it into the spotlight with one of the most blatant and high-priced offers yet. Tennessee’s aggressive pursuit, if confirmed, would likely violate NCAA rules, which prohibit direct contact with players not in the transfer portal. The Volunteers have neither confirmed nor denied the reports, but their silence has only fueled speculation.
The NIL landscape has rapidly changed the way college football operates. While players are now free to profit from their image and marketability, the lack of standardized regulations across conferences and states has created a Wild West atmosphere. Programs with deep-pocketed boosters and collectives are leveraging these resources to essentially outbid competitors for talent. In Johnson’s case, $6.7 million represents not just an investment in a quarterback, but a bold attempt to vault Tennessee into College Football Playoff contention.
Kansas State has responded forcefully to the reports. Head coach Chris Klieman has made it clear that the program is committed to retaining Johnson and is exploring all legal and NCAA avenues to address what he described as “blatant tampering.” Meanwhile, K-State fans have rallied around their quarterback, taking to social media with hashtags like #StayWithTheCats and organizing NIL fundraisers in an attempt to match or counter the offer.
For Johnson himself, the decision is likely agonizing. On one hand, he’s entrenched as a future star in a system designed to highlight his strengths, surrounded by teammates and coaches who have believed in him from the beginning. On the other, $6.7 million is life-changing money—enough to secure financial stability for his family before ever taking an NFL snap. The situation places the young quarterback at the center of a growing storm about the direction of college football.
Beyond the individual drama, the incident has triggered renewed calls for reform. Coaches, analysts, and administrators are pushing for stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer guidelines to prevent tampering and restore competitive balance. As one Power Five AD put it, “This is not what NIL was supposed to be. We’re not talking about endorsements anymore—we’re talking about bidding wars.”
Whether Johnson stays or goes, this episode is a defining moment in the NIL era. It raises critical questions about player agency, institutional control, and the integrity of college athletics. For now, all eyes remain on Avery Johnson—a rising star who must weigh loyalty, legacy, and livelihood in a high-stakes decision that could reshape not only his future, but the very landscap
e of the sport.